An improved pavement maintenance optimization methodology: Integrating LCA and LCCA

Environmental damage cost (EDC) is traditionally ignored in the pavement cost evaluation. This study used a combined life cycle assessment–life cycle cost analysis (LCA–LCCA) model to optimize the pavement maintenance plans with the incorporation of EDC. The paper introduced a comprehensive LCA methodology in pavement field, estimated the marginal damage costs of various air pollutants, and developed an algorithm to link LCA model and LCCA model. A case study of three overlay systems, Portland cement concrete (PCC) overlay, hot mix asphalt (HMA) overlay, and crack, seat, and overlay (CSOL), was presented. The findings through the study include: the EDC occupies a significant portion of the overall costs; the developed LCA–LCCA model is effective in reducing both the energy consumption/greenhouse gas emission ranging from 8.2% to 12.3% and the overall costs ranging from 5.9% to 10.2% for the three overlay designs, respectively; it is reasonable to expect smaller environmental burdens and less overall costs for the PCC and CSOL options as opposed to the HMA option although comparisons of the former two are indeterminate due to the great uncertainties in the usage module.